Autumnal shifts in the air

From the editor ~ September/October 2025

Dear readers,

As I write this, my kitchen windows are open and the air is already feeling a little like autumn, even though there are still a few days left of August. And so, we shift into the harvest season, marked by fresh cider, street fairs, the changing of the leaves, a return to layers. Beach days will soon be swapped for other excursions and activities, and in these pages, we suggest a few.

Our cover story takes us to the Little Compton Historical Society, where a new garden and exhibition honor Sakonnet Wampanoag history — a history that dates back 13,000 years on these lands — and which has not always been joyous. Now, though, through partnerships and collaborations between Little Compton residents and members of local Wampanoag communities, there is an effort to share this history in new and more nuanced ways. The garden — free and open to the public from sunrise to sunset — is as lovely as it is informative. And the exhibit, “Sakonnet Belongings,” housed in an adjacent barn, is rich with art and cultural installments. It’s a must visit. (And, if you’re reading this and live in Newport or Jamestown, I promise you the drive is worth it!)

Speaking of Jamestown, we have a story on Turncoat! Cidery, which sits on the expansive Fox Hill Farm by Fort Getty and shares history with Governor Benedict Arnold, the first Governor of Rhode Island — with the notorious descendant for whom the cider is named.

We also explore the local entertainment scene, from two angles: First, we visit the Newport Playhouse, a staple that has been undergoing a bit of a refresh, with no shortage of stage shows Then, we spotlight a handful of young people raised here who’ve made it in Hollywood, whether working in film, television or music production. (Note: We’re always looking for locally connected people doing cool things, so if you think of anyone we missed or should spotlight next time, let us know!)

Finally, it wouldn’t be a September/October issue without some sort of foray into fashion, so we profile a few new and notable consignment and thrift shops, from Alva’s Attic in Middletown to Corner Consignment in Portsmouth, Cabana in Tiverton, and St. Paul’s in Newport. If antiques are more your thing, we also had Aardvark Antiques share a few of their favorite finds.

And with that, I leave you to read and, hopefully, embark on a few autumn adventures of your own.

Until November,

Helena

Managing Editor

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